Giant sinkhole closes Hwy 2 north of Waskesiu, Sask.

Large detour to drive to and from La Ronge

This sinkhole has forced the closure of Highway 2 north of the Prince Albert National Park. (Courtesy RCMP)

Highway 2 north of Prince Albert National Park has been closed in both directions due to a large sinkhole.

Prince Albert RCMP and officials from the Ministry of Highways were assessing the scene Saturday.

The sinkhole is located about 52 kilometres north of the Waskesiu turnoff.

According to Highway Hotline heavy rains caused a washout in the area that led to the road collapsing.

Since Thursday the area has seen about 12 centimetres of rainfall, flooding out roads and cancelling the last few days of the Men's Lobstick, Waskesiu Golf Course's popular annual tournament. Club officials say this is believed to be the first rainout since the event started in the 1930s.

Highway Hotline said crews have started repair work on the road, but police said it could be closed for quite some time.

The largest impact will be felt by people coming and going from the La Ronge area. The main detour will lead people to the eastern side of Montreal Lake, along Highways 165, 106 and 55, which adds two hours to the trip.